WHY ENGINEERING?

The world built humanitarian work into broken silos. We're rebuilding in the space between.

Traditional global systems separate crisis response and development, two rigid “bricks” with their own constraints. But displacement today is urgent and long-term, all at once. At Solidarity, we’re the mortar, filling the gaps old systems leave behind. We move quickly when necessary, build durability where possible, and adapt as community needs evolve.

01. Treat the Source, Not Symptoms

At Solidarity, engineering is a public health tool, designing practical, dignity-centered solutions like water systems, safe bathrooms, drainage, and solar power.

But we’re not an “engineers only” team. Our work is powered by humanitarian responders, global health experts, community promoters, educators, logisticians, and program leaders who make these systems usable, safe, and community-driven. Engineering is just one part of the multidisciplinary work required to rebuild dignity and prevent disease.

02. A Systems Approach

Every problem we face is interconnected. That’s why our work looks at the whole system: water, sanitation, energy, shelter, and education, and how each affects the others. We design infrastructure that’s adaptable, integrated, and resilient.
Every project is built with and for the community, even in fragile, shifting environments.

We don’t build in isolation. We build for interconnection. When water flows, lights stay on, and children can learn safely, public health thrives.

03. Bridging Disaster + Development

Displacement today is both urgent and long-term, unfolding in places where crisis and recovery are happening at the same time.

At Solidarity, we settle the “disaster vs. development” debate by stepping outside of it altogether (both are flawed, anyway).

So we're building our own systems, and patching cracks along the way. Our engineering-first approach moves with community:

rapid-supply of water and supplies when conditions are unstable
safe, durable bathrooms and solar power as people resettle
STEM learning, women’s health, and joyful spaces that strengthen long-term wellbeing

HUMANITARIAN ENGINEERING

Humanitarian engineering uses science and design to protect health, dignity, and opportunity, even in the hardest places to live.

Our projects are:

Community-driven: co-designed and maintained by the people who use them.
Public-health focused: treating the root causes of illness, not just the outcomes.
Simple and sustainable: built to last, adapt, and restore hope.

Engineering isn’t just about infrastructure. It’s about building dignity, safety, and opportunity. That’s why we call it Solidarity Engineering.